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Nuke deal worth the risk: Rahul Gandhi

Hailing PM's "vision, tenacity and leadership" over the nuclear deal, the Congress leader says the accord is worth the risk and "if the Govt falls in the process so be it".

Updated on: Jul 16, 2008, 21:15:27 IST
None | By , Amethi
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Hailing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's "vision, tenacity and leadership" over the Indo-US nuclear deal, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that the accord was worth the risk and "if the government falls in the process so be it".

HT Image
HT Image

Coming out fully in support of the deal he, however, expressed confidence that the government would secure the vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha.

"For ideological or political reasons the deal is being opposed. But the Congress has taken a decision which is correct. Sometimes in life, risk has to be taken. The leadership the Prime Minister is showing...He thinks it is in the interest of the country. If the government falls in the process so be it," Gandhi told reporters.

"When you are convinced that it is in the interest of the people of the country, numbers don't matter. This decision that the Prime Minister has taken, in my view, is the right decision. We are going to win the vote," he said.

Describing the nuclear deal as fundamental to India's energy problems and one which can make the country a global player, he said, "I also believe that you need guts to do it. I appreciate it. I would tell him (PM) to take the risk again, again and again. That is leadership."

In a reference to Left parties, which have withdrawn support to the government, he said they may be opposing it for political reasons but the deal was absolutely in the interest of the country. The Left has an ideological position but the Congress has decided it is good for the country.

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